GP 46: Why Tribes Matter: Human Centric Real Estate Events with Rob Marten of SPACE+

In this episode of the Grow Places Podcast, we sit down with Rob Marten, co-founder of SPACE+, to explore why tribes — small, intentional communities — are at the heart of human-centric real estate events.

Rob reflects on his journey from organising a village music festival called “Twigstock” as a teenager to co-creating SPACEUK, one of the UK’s most distinctive property events. Through candid stories and industry insights, he explains how smaller, more focused gatherings help challenge assumptions, create serendipity, and foster the kind of connection the real estate sector urgently needs.

We discuss:

• The philosophy behind SPACE+’s "tribes" approach and why scale and intimacy don't have to be at odds.
• The importance of genuine diversity in event programming — and the responsibility organisers have in shaping who gets heard.
• Why real estate struggles with public-facing language (think: build-to-rent and single-family housing), and what that means for the sector’s future.
• How SPACE+ aims to “curate serendipity” and why in-person events still matter more than ever in a post-pandemic world.

From live music to meaningful placemaking, this episode is a deep dive into how we bring people together — and why it matters.

🔗 Listen now and discover how human-centred convening can change the face of real estate.